ADULTS laughed as children “harassed” and chased animals which led to the death of a “much-loved" cockerel at Tropical Wings zoo in South Woodham Ferrers.

Staff said they were “incredibly sad and disgusted” about the incident today.

Keepers were alerted to the situation and reacted quickly but sadly could not save the animal.

Visitors have come forward with a picture of the “offending family” and a description of the “appalling” and "abhorrent" event in which adults laughed when the cockerel died. They will be banned from the zoo.

Senior management were on the scene within minutes and witnesses described what had occurred, but the offenders were not identified as they had left the area.

A spokesman said: “Tropical Wings prides itself on providing the best possible standard of care for all animals in the collection.

“We now however gratefully appreciate that visitors have since come forward with a photograph of the offending family and their description of the appalling event, during which the adults in the family group reportedly laughed at the traumatic outcome.

“The visitors did not feel comfortable to identify the offenders at the time and they needed to assure themselves that these offenders had left the site before feeling able to come forward.

“Sadly we were unable to apprehend this family at the time but staff will be provided with this photograph should they try to visit our \oo again. They will of course be banned.

“We will never tolerate this behaviour towards any of our animals and staff will always intervene if they see visitors acting inappropriately. Interactive animal areas can only work with the cooperation of our visitors and any that abuse this opportunity will be asked to leave. Children must be supervised by a responsible adult at all times whilst within the zoo.

“We apologise to all visitors who witnessed this abhorrent behaviour today and please be assured we will do our utmost to ensure such an incident will never occur in the future.

“Our team have been left shocked and devastated by this incident today.”